Victor Ivanov – Page 95 – Automobiles Review

Morgan Roadster Brooklands Edition

Morgan has announced Brooklands Editions of the Roadster and 3-Wheeler models. Both are design to “celebrate the ancestry of British racing cars”.

The limited editions are named after the Brooklands circuit and feature a Jaguar ‘Brooklands’ green exterior with some nice black accents and special badges. Both models are equipped with black leather upholstery, a four-spoke steering wheel and rubber floor mats.

Morgan Roadster comes with a body-color dashboard and a revised gearbox cover that frees up additional legroom.

Production will be limited to just 50 units each and all models will come with a “Brooklands centenary book” and an annual membership to the Brooklands trust. The Brooklands Roadster is priced at £40,000.

Source: Morgan

July 25, 2013

Callaway Corvette GT3 Racing

Callaway Competition GmbH, Leingarten Germany has presented the new GT3 version of Chevrolet Corvette C7. The race car complies with FIA regulations and is going to compete in GT3-class.

Specialists, like Callaway, require authorization from original equipment manufacturers, like Chevrolet, to submit the homologation forms necessary to allow their version of the car to be the version allowed in FIA competition. As Callaway has just received the required letter of authorization from Chevrolet, Callaway has become the appointed specialist representative for building and holding the homologation of the Corvette C7 FIA GT3 race cars.

Callaway has also been the homologation holder for the Corvette C6 version of the GT3 car with the FIA. The Callaway team is currently the most successful in GT3, based on numerous Drivers and Team Championships from 2007 to present.

Source: Chevrolet

July 25, 2013

Citroen C-Elysee WTCC – 380HP and 400Nm

Citroen has unveiled the C-Elysee WTCC, which is going to take place in 2014 World Touring Car Championship. The race car will be the very first vehicle to be designed in accordance with the new regulations, currently being prepared by the FIA for the category next year.

“Choosing C-Elysee as the basis for our WTCC car reflects very clearly our determination to use racing as an active means of supporting our commercial development. With rounds in Latin America, Morocco, China and Russia, the WTCC race calendar is genuinely global, and it will be a real advantage to run a C-Elysee, a key driver of our growth, in front of large crowds of enthusiastic motorsport fans.”, commented Frédéric Banzet, CEO of the Citroën Brand.

The exterior boasts an integrated aerodynamic splitter, modified front bumper, widened front and rear wings as well as stylish rear wing. There is also a set of 18” super-light alloy wheels fitted with performance racing tires.

The power is coming from a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine with 380HP (279 kW) at 6,000RPM and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) at 4,500 RPM of torque. The curb weight is just 1,100 kg (including the driver).

After making its first track outing a few days ago, Citroen C-Elysee WTCC has now begun a programme of development tests. The car will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (12-22 September).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – C-Elysée WTCC

CHASSIS
Structure	Reinforced body with welded, multi-point roll cage
Bodywork	Steel and composite fibre
ENGINE
Type	Citroën Racing – 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection engine
Bore x stroke	82×75.5mm
Capacity	1,598cc
Maximum power	380bhp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	400Nm at 4,500rpm
Specific output	237.8bhp/litre
Distribution	Double overhead camshaft 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel feed	Direct injection controlled by Magneti Marelli unit
CLUTCH
Type	Carbon-fibre twin-disk
TRANSMISSION
Type	Front-wheel drive
Gearbox	Sadev six-speed sequential – Manual control
Differentials	Mechanical self-locking differential
BRAKES
Front	380mm ventilated discs with four-piston callipers
Rear	300mm ventilated discs, with two-piston callipers
Distribution	Adjustable from cockpit
SUSPENSION
Type	MacPherson (front and rear)
Shock absorbers	Adjustable
STEERING
Type	Hydraulic power-assisted steering
WHEELS
Dimensions	10×18-inch wheels – Yokohama tyres (Ø 660 x 275)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES
Length/width	4,577mm/1,950mm
Wheel base	2,700mm
Track	1,750mm (front and rear)
Fuel tank	50 litres
Weight	1,100kg with driver (regulations)

Source: Citroen

July 25, 2013

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Edition

Bugatti is going to exhibit the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Edition next month during the Monterey Auto Week in California, USA. The manufacturer is continuing to make all kinds of special editions Veyron cars.

This particular model is limited to just 3 units named after the Legend Jean-Pierre Wimille, who triumphed at 24 Hours of Le Mans for Bugatti in 1937 co-driving a 57G Tank with Robert Benoist. He also won in 1939 while co-driving a 57C Tank with Pierre Veyron.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Edition comes with a clear-coated carbon fiber finish with a light Wimille Bleu paint job. The interior has some details connected to Mr. Wimille.
“The materials and colors selected, as well as a host of details, all reference the essential characteristics of the classic models driven by those figures to whom our edition pays homage. In each case, this care has resulted in vehicles in which the authenticity of the past is combined with the modern design, the sportive superlative and the luxurious comfort of Bugatti as an icon of the present. With these Bugatti Legends we are giving history a modern makeover.”, commented Achim Anscheidt, chief designer at Bugatti.

Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engin – 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds dead. The top speed is 410 km/h (254 mph). ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds. Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

Source: Bugatti

July 24, 2013

BAC MONO isn’t Faster Than Pagani Huayra at Top Gear’s Race Track

Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) almost break the record for lapping BBC Top Gear’s test track at Dunsfold, Surrey with their MONO.

BAC MONO managed to lap the circuit in just 1 minute and 14.3 seconds, which is faster than everything except the mighty Pagani Huayra, which did the lap in 1 minute and 13.8 seconds. The MONO is powered by a 2.3 liter naturally aspirated Cosworth engine with 285HP (209 kW) mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox from Hewland. The power is transmitted to the road through an LSD (limited-slip differential) on the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-160 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 273 km/h (170 mph). All this numbers are thanks to the staggering power to weight ratio – 520BHP per ton.

The tires of the performance machine are coming from KUMHO. The version is a street-legal V70A competition tyre especially developed for the BAC, which rides on 205/40 R17 at the front and 245/40 R17 on the rear.

The price is €91 998.

Bonus: Sabine Schmitz vs Ron Simons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZMSoQJlSSw#at=594

Source: BAC

July 24, 2013

Volkswagen Taigun Concept [video]

The entry-level crossover Volkswagen Taigun Concept is going to get in production not earlier than 2016.

The Taigun won’t be sold in United States because they believe Americans don’t want 3-cylinder gasoline or diesel engines and such compact dimensions. The Europeans don’t want it either, but somebody will buy it… eventually.

The Taigun Concept was presented back in October 2012 at the Sao Paolo Motor Show. The compact crossover is a direct rival of Ford EcoSoprt. The left-hand drive Taigun will be built in Sao Paolo, Brazil, while right-hand models are going to be assembled in Pune, India. Volkswagen is also analyzing the prospects of producing the car in Kaluga, Russia.

The three-cylinder engines will be connected to a manual gearbox (standard) or an optional dual-clutch transmission.

It seems Volkswagen is also planning an NG variant, while petrol-electric hybrid and full electric versions are under consideration.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lgKn4jtBx4

Source: AutoEmotionenTV

July 24, 2013

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage – Full Specs

The 2014 Mirage 5-door sub-compact is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline vehicle available in America. The small Mitsubishi can achieve up to 44 mpg US (5.4 liters / 100 km) on the highway and 40 mpg US (5.9 liters / 100 km) on combined cycle – manual gearbox.

Standard safety features include seven air bags; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and Brake Assist. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is also standard on all continuously-variable transmission-equipped (CVT) models.

Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) is also included on all models. The ASC/TCL helps stabilize the vehicle when it detects skidding and/or when the system detects a loss of traction on slippery road surfaces.

The color range includes Thunder Gray, Starlight Silver, Cloud White and Mystic Black, along with Mitsubishi Motors fan-selected colors Kiwi, Plasma Purple, Infrared and Sapphire Blue in the Mitsubishi Mirage Color Code program.

Standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) further aids the fuel efficiency cause while providing the driver with communicative steering feel as well as a sharp turning radius of only 15.1 feet.

The entry-level Mitsubishi Mirage DE packs a long list of standard amenities. Among these features are tilt steering; automatic climate control; power windows with driver’s side auto-up/down; power side mirrors; body-colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle, a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat; keyless entry with panic alarm; variable intermittent wipers; a sporty rear spoiler and a dynamic sounding 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod® input.

Every Mirage variant also features thoughtful interior design touches including ergonomically designed driver controls and instrument panel as well as upscale-looking rich high-gloss piano black trim for the center console.

The upmarket Mirage ES model features all of the welcome content on the DE while adding eye-catching 14” aluminum alloy wheels; front fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; FAST (Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter)-key passive entry; One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; cruise control and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.

Numerous amenity and accessory packages are available including LED Interior Illumination, Rear Parking Assist, Navigation System and Exterior lower body kit and Chrome accent packages.

The engine is a 1.2 liter DOHC engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) maximizing the fuel efficiency and power output – 74HP (54 kW) and 100Nm (74 lb-ft). Consumers have a choice between a smooth-operating 5-speed manual and an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with Idle Neutral Logic.

Key Specifications

Wheelbase:	96.5 in.
Length:	148.8 in.
Height:	59.1 in.
Width:	65.6 in.
Engine:	1.2-liter DOHC MIVEC 3-cylinder engine
Horsepower:	74 @ 6000 rpm
Torque:	74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Transmission:	5-speed manual or continuously-variable transmission (CVT)
Fuel Economy:	CVT – 37 mpg city/44 mpg highway (40 mpg combined) 5-speed manual – 34 mpg city/42 mpg highway (37 mpg combined)

Major Standard Features (DE Model)

4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod® input
RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis safety cell construction
Body colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Power windows with driver’s side auto-up/down
Power side mirrors
Tilt steering
60/40 split folding rear seat
Halogen headlamps with auto-off
Rear spoiler
165/65R14 low rolling-resistance tires
Automatic climate control
Rear heater floor ducts
Cargo area cover
Piano black center console trim
Keyless entry with panic alarm
Rear wiper/washer
Multi-information meter display
ECO indicator
Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver’s knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Hill Start Assist (CVT only)

ES adds over DE:

One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch
FAST-Key passive entry
Bluetooth® hand-free phone system
Cruise control
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
14-in. alloy wheels
Fog lamps
Seat height adjustor
Silver interior accents
Upgraded seat fabric

Mirage Options:

Navigation Package (ES model) adds: SD navigation system with rear camera monitor (Replace std. audio unit)

Exterior Package adds: Front bumper corner extensions; side sill extensions; rear bumper corner extensions.

Chrome Package adds: Fog light garnish; lower grille garnish; tailgate garnish.

LED Illumination Package adds: Floor LED illumination (blue); console LED illumination (blue); cargo area LED illumination (white).

Parking Assist Package adds: Front park assist sensors; rear park assist sensors.

Protection Package adds: Front & rear mudguards; rear bumper protector; body side moldings.

Cargo Package adds: Cargo mat; cargo net.

Source: Mitsubishi

July 24, 2013

2014 Infiniti QX80 and QX50 – US Price

Infiniti US has announced the pricing of the 2014 Infiniti QX80 Luxury SUV and the QX50 Luxury Crossover, which are now available at the dealers nationwide. The 2014 QX50 comes with reduced pricing ($2,500 compared to 2013 model). Prices for Infiniti’s SUV flagship QX80 are unchanged from 2013.

The QX80 continues to offer an unmatched combination of power, strength and luxury style – capable of transporting up to 8 adults and their luggage with spacious elegance. Its drivetrain is rugged enough to handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500 lbs towing capacity, when properly equipped), while being equally at home transporting friends and family for a night on the town. For 2014, the advanced Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system is added to Technology Package.

The Infiniti QX50 combines a sleek, sculpted, elegant exterior design, exhilarating driving performance and an engaging interior environment. Standard equipment include leather-appointed seating, Intelligent Key and RearView Monitor. The crossover is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 with 325HP mated to a a 7-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti QX50 AWD models feature Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. There are no major enhancements for the 2014 model year.
Check out the pricing below!

2014 Infiniti QX80

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
QX80	5.6-liter V8 / RWD	$61,350 USD
QX80 AWD	5.6-liter V8 / AWD	$64,450 USD

Destination and Handling $995 USD

2014 Infiniti QX50:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
QX50	3.7-liter V6 / RWD	$34,400 USD
QX50 AWD	3.7-liter V6 / AWD	$35,800 USD
QX50 Journey	3.7-liter V6 / RWD	$36,750 USD
QX50 AWD Journey	3.7-liter V6 / AWD	$38,150 USD

Destination and Handling $995 USD

Source: Infiniti

July 24, 2013

Loder1899 Range Rover Evoque

Loder1899 has announced their latest project based on the stylish and sexy Range Rover Evoque. The Evoque could be described as a metrosexual: youthful, hetrosexual and urban with a refined sense of taste, but is it really tough enough?

To make it more aggressive, the tuners fitted the Evoque with a stainless steel front bumper guard – €399, rocker guards – €499 and PIAA lights – €538. There is also a 35mm increased ride height for €699 and a set of 18” alloy wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson all-terrain ATZ tires – set starting from €2312.

Loder1899 also offers a performance package for the 2.2 liter SD4 diesel. The engine originally produces 220HP (160 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft), but it can be boosted to 250HP (182 kW) and 580Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).

Source: Loder1899

July 24, 2013

2013 Audi RS 4 Avant – Price

2013 Audi RS 4 Avant has won another award for its best-of-all-worlds ability. It has just been voted Estate Car of the Year 2013. The RS 4 Avant took the top spot in a number of categories, which ranged from pricing and performance to practicality and desirability.

The Audi RS 4 is priced from £55,525 and comes with a high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 engine with 450HP at 8,250 RPM and 430Nm at 4,000 RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed S-tronic twin-clutch gearbox sending the power to Quattro AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), which can be increased to 280 km/h (174 mph) on request.

The options list includes front carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic brakes and a sports package which adds sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) incorporating diagonally linked hydraulic shock absorbers for even flatter cornering, variable ratio dynamic steering, a sports exhaust system and an upgrade to 20″ Rotor design alloy wheels.

Source: Audi

July 24, 2013

2013 Renault Megane Knight Edition – Price

Renault has announced Megane Knight Edition available as Hatchback, Coupe and Sport Tourer. There is a choice between two engines and will be on sale until Autumn 2013.

The pricing starts from £17,095, just £350 more than its closest ally the Megane Expression+ despite a cavalry of additional features, including the striking dark chrome wheels, GT style bumpers, dark chrome rear diffuser, dark chrome exterior detail styling and electrically folding door mirrors, as well as the rear parking sensors.

Combing power, control and economy, the models all perfectly blend driving pleasure and best possible fuel consumption, with technological innovations born of Renault’s expertise in F1, such as Stop & Start and regenerative braking.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter 16V petrol and dCi 110 Stop & Start diesel engine.

The range is available in Glacier White as standard, but is also available in Ruby Red, Malta Blue and Arctic White, Diamond Black metallic paints. All models come with the signature Megane LED running lights and are packed with Va Va Voom, all proudly promoting the French brand’s recently revamped look and style.

Megane Knight Edition Hatch – £17,095
Megane Knight Edition Coupe – £17,595
Megane Knight Edition Sport Tourer – £17,895.

All models qualify for Renault’s 4+ package: four-year warranty, four-year free servicing, four-year AA roadside cover and four-year finance.

Source: Renault

July 24, 2013

ALPHA-N Performance BT92 based on BMW E92 M3

ALPHA-N Performance has announced their latest project based on the current BMW M3 (the E92). The name of the project is ALPHA-N BT92 and it comes with styling and performance upgrades.

The exterior boasts a complete wide-body kit including new front and rear bumpers, a pair of extended side skirts, widened wheel arches. All components are made from high-grade carbon fiber. ALPHA-N is also constructing new wheel house liners made of Kevlar.

The powerful naturally aspirated S65B40 (4.0 liter V8) has grown up to 4.6 liters thanks to a new through a new crankshaft as well as new pistons and connecting rods. After that, the tuning specialists carefully re-mapped the electronics, so everything will work just perfect. The result is 490HP (360 kW) and 470Nm (348 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 70HP and 70Nm. 0-100 km/h in around 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).

The BT92 4.6 rolls a set of enormous S3 19” wheels fitted with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tires – 255/35 R19 front and 295/35 R19 rear.

A complete coilover kit has been installed for improving the handling and for nice stance, of course. In addition to the installation of an Öhlins Road & Track-running gear, ALPHA-N also performed the precise alignment of same on a wheel load balance.

The interior comes with unifying Recaro Sportster CS sport seats, blue Alcantara for the front and seats as well as the door panels.

Source: ALPHA-N

July 23, 2013

Author: Victor Ivanov